The Los Angeles Dodgers formally introduced Shohei Ohtani during a press conference held at Dodger Stadium on Thursday, December 14.
However, seeing the two-way player in action remains unknown. It all depends on how well he recovers from his second elbow surgery. Ohtani would not confirm if it was his second Tommy John surgery.
He had his first Tommy John surgery in 2018. Regardless, the Japanese pitching sensation says that his recent procedure differed from his 2018 surgery, per Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic.
Read more: Blue Jays Need to Hustle After Missing Out on Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto
Dodgers physician absent at Dodgers press conference
One person who could have shed more light was Dodgers team physician Neal ElAttrache. He was not around on Thursday, explaining that he had other things to attend, the LA Times reported.
"It's not that I don't think it's a monumental day, a great day for the Dodgers and Los Angeles," ElAttrache said. "But there are things I've got to do."
ElAttrache performed two Tommy John elbow operations on Ohtani, the first in 2018 and the second in September.
Ohtani is ready to play once cleared
Ohtani was in high spirits at the press conference and did not hide his excitement with his new team, MLB.com reported.
"I can't wait to join the Dodgers," Ohtani said via interpreter Ippei Mizuhara. "They share the same passion as me. They have a vision and history all about winning, and I share the same values, so I can't wait to join the team."
Ohtani signed a 10-year $700 million deal with the Dodgers, said to be the largest one in sports history.
Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman branded Ohtani as "arguably the most talented player who's ever played this game," although they may have to practice patience until "Shotime" is back at 100% health.
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